Germany: Kayla Wells (“We’re Not in Madison Anymore” Moment)

My “we’re not in Madison anymore” moment came almost immediately after I stepped foot in Berlin for the first time. Since I did not have any prior experience traveling abroad before my study abroad program in Berlin, the public transportation system was the first aspect that struck me about how vastly different my program city was in comparison to Madison. While the public transportation system amazed me at first, I have to admit that I was terrified to navigate the city on my own with all of my luggage. Despite my hesitation, I mapped my route from the IES Abroad Center to my new home in Berlin, navigating my way through the city by first hopping on a tram and then even hauling my belongings down to the U-Bahn (Germany’s version of the subway)! The U-Bahn I took to arrive at my apartment, which is called the U2, would eventually become my favorite transportation line during my time in Berlin, as the station was a five-minute walk to my apartment! Although I was terrified at first to learn the transportation system in my program city, by the end of my study abroad experience I felt I had positively learned and interacted with the new environment of my program city.

 

Kayla Wells

Hometown: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Major: Social Work

Program: IES Berlin Summer Language and Culture

I am excited to improve my German speaking abilities while in Berlin as well as experience life abroad for the first time! I chose to study abroad in Berlin because I have been learning German for 9 years and have always wanted to apply my learning for the language and culture in a real-life setting. I am looking forward to seeing different sites and memorials that represent the rich history and culture of Berlin!